Attacks on Gonzales
Bare Weak Power Base

Loyalty to Bush, Lack
Of Conservative Help
Erode His Defenses

WASHINGTON -- The political storm brewing around Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has exposed a potentially serious vulnerability -- he lacks a significant base of support outside the White House.

Many conservatives have long questioned his moderate stances on abortion and affirmative action, positions thought to have cost him a shot at an appointment to the Supreme Court. Liberals have faulted him for his actions as White House...